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1David had discussions with all his leaders, including the army commanders of thousands and hundreds.a
2Then he addressed the whole assembly of Israel, saying, “If you agree, and if God approves, let us send an invitation to every Israelite in the land, including the priests and Levites in their towns and pastures, to come and join us.
3Let us bring the Ark of our God backb to us, because we forgot about it during the time of Saul.”
4The whole assembly was pleased with the proposal, agreeing that this would be a good thing to do.
5So David summoned all of Israel, from the Shihor River of Egypt up to Lebo-hamath, to help bring the Ark from Kiriath-jearim.
6So David and all of Israel went to Baalah (otherwise called Kiriath-jearim) in Judah to bring back the Ark of God the Lord, whose throne is between the cherubim and who is called by the Name.
7They loaded the Ark of God onto a brand new cart and brought it from Adinadab's house, with Uzzah and Ahio directing it.
8David and all of Israel were celebrating before the Lord as loudly as possible, singing sings and playing music on lyres, harps, tambourines, cymbals, and trumpets.
9But when they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, the oxen stumbled and Uzzah stretched out his hand to stop the Ark falling.
10The Lord was angry with Uzzah for daring to touch the Ark like this so he struck him down, and Uzzah died there before the Lord.
11David became angry with the Lord for his violent outburst against Uzzah. He named the place Perez-uzzah,c and it is still called that today.
12David became afraid of God that day. “How can I ever bring back the Ark of God home to me?” he asked.
13So David did not move the Ark of God to be with him in the City of David. Instead, he had it taken to the home of Obed-edom the Gittite.
14The Ark of God remained in Obed-edom's home for three months, and the Lord blessed Obed-edom's household and all that he had.
Footnotes:
1 a“Thousands and hundreds”: referring to the way the army was structured, with some being in charge of 1000 men, and others in charge of 100.
3 b“Bring… back”: interestingly the verb root has the basic meaning of “surround.”
11 cPerez-uzzah means “outburst against Uzzah.”
Your Prayer Can Change the World - Part 1
By Derek Prince19K27:39Prayer1CH 13:7MAT 24:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the gospel of the kingdom of God. He explains that the gospel not only saves us from the kingdom of Satan but also transforms us into kings and priests in the present. The preacher references Matthew 24:14, where Jesus states that the gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed to all nations before the end comes. He also shares the story of David and the ark of God, highlighting the lesson learned when they praised God with loud instruments but faced a disaster. Ultimately, the preacher encourages the congregation to learn from David's example and seek to understand the lessons God teaches them.
"Old Fashioned Hell Fire Preaching"
By Leonard Ravenhill8.6K00:52DEU 28:11CH 13:9PRO 3:5MAL 3:6HEB 13:8This sermon emphasizes the danger of trying to modernize or improve upon the ways of God, likening it to the mistake of trying to steady the Ark of God with human efforts. It highlights the importance of embracing traditional, foundational truths like baptism and old-fashioned hellfire preaching, as they carry the power and presence of God. Obedience to God's ways leads to success and blessings.
Ark of the Covenant - Part 1
By Major Ian Thomas7.6K1:07:41Ark Of The CovenantEXO 20:3LEV 24:1DEU 6:51CH 13:1MAT 6:33JHN 14:15ROM 12:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Samuel and the Israelites' battle against the Philistines. The Israelites were defeated, and the elders of Israel questioned why the Lord had allowed this to happen. They decided to bring the ark of the covenant to the battlefield, believing it would save them. However, the preacher highlights the importance of a personal relationship with God and obedience to His commands, rather than relying on token obedience or external rituals. The sermon encourages listeners to reflect on their own relationship with God and their practice of the Christian faith.
Don't Take Away the Job From Jesus
By Hans Peter Royer4.2K38:14God's Way1CH 13:122CH 15:2MAT 6:33JHN 12:25JHN 14:6JHN 14:23In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing that God is the master and we are His servants. He highlights the tendency for us to try to make God follow our agenda instead of following Him. The speaker uses the example of Moses giving carts and oxen to the Meritites but not to the Kohatites, to illustrate that not everyone is meant to have the same role or responsibilities in the church. He also emphasizes the need to submit ourselves to God rather than trying to dedicate things to Him, as everything we have is ultimately given by Him.
David - Failure and Effectiveness
By Devern Fromke4.0K1:05:14David1CH 13:11CH 14:141CH 15:21CH 15:25MAT 6:331CO 14:341TI 2:12In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a group of people who were enthusiastic about evangelizing and helping forgotten people in their country. They set up their own bakery and laundry and even bought a whole abandoned city. However, their unity began to crumble, and one by one, families left. The speaker's father-in-law, who had a close relationship with God, shared a message from 1 Chronicles 13 that shed light on their situation. The sermon then explores the concept of failure and effectiveness in the life of David, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and abiding in God's anointing.
When Mercy Kills an Outstretched Hand
By Carter Conlon3.1K1:01:48Presence of God2SA 6:11CH 13:4PRO 14:12JHN 10:121CO 15:33GAL 6:7In this sermon, the speaker discusses the danger of hirelings in the pulpit who avoid addressing sin in the lives of their congregation. He emphasizes that when God is not present, people are left to rely on their own efforts to make things happen. The speaker shares a personal example of how his perspective changed when he realized the importance of being there for his neighbor in times of need. He warns against being deceived into thinking that we can have the life of Christ while treating Him casually when He speaks to our hearts. The speaker also highlights the negative impact of relying on our own abilities instead of trusting in God's provision.
Finishing the Course - 02 Filling Up What Is Lacking
By Zac Poonen2.6K1:00:47Finishing Well2SA 6:151CH 13:9MAL 4:6MAT 6:331CO 12:121CO 12:16In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of people attending church meetings but not actively seeking fellowship with others. He emphasizes the importance of filling up what is lacking in our spiritual lives. The speaker uses examples from the Old Testament, such as Hagar and Sarah, to illustrate the dangers of pride and comparison. He also highlights the need to love the truth, including recognizing our own defects, and the importance of being part of the body of Christ and relying on others. The sermon concludes with a call to take seriously the areas where we need to fill up what is lacking and to grow spiritually.
The Presence of God - Part 1
By David Ravenhill2.0K29:331SA 4:31SA 4:111CH 13:3MAT 6:33In this sermon, David Ravenhill discusses the story of the Ark of the Covenant being captured by the Philistines and the consequences it had on the Israelites. He emphasizes the importance of seeking and honoring the presence of God in our lives. Ravenhill highlights the danger of relying on our own understanding and seeking worldly solutions instead of seeking God's guidance. He encourages the audience to learn from the mistakes of Saul and the Israelites and to prioritize the presence of God in their lives.
Featured Audio Sermon: Don't Take Away the Job From Jesus
By Hans Peter Royer1.3K38:14JOS 24:151CH 13:1JHN 12:25JHN 14:6HEB 4:14This sermon from 1 Chronicles focuses on the story of David bringing back the Ark of God, highlighting the importance of seeking God's ways and submitting to His will rather than relying on human methods or wisdom. It emphasizes the need to follow Jesus and submit to His lordship, comparing rowing (self-effort) to sailing (submission to God's leading) in the Christian life. The speaker warns against dedicating our lives to God in a way that takes over His work, stressing the significance of abiding in Christ and allowing Him to lead us.
The Fear of God (01) Introduction
By Don Courville1.2K1:04:11Fear Of God1SA 4:111CH 13:91CO 11:301PE 2:17In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of witnessing a man struggling to walk and falling down. Instead of laughing, the speaker realizes that this is an opportunity from God. The sermon then focuses on the theme of fear, specifically the fear of God. The speaker emphasizes the importance of living with the fear of God in our lives and how it should impact our worship. The sermon concludes with the speaker sharing seven lessons about the fear of God and the need to have more love for God in our hearts.
The Ark of the Covenant and the Cross of Christ
By Major Ian Thomas94149:59Cross of ChristNUM 7:1NUM 7:891SA 2:291SA 3:131SA 4:11CH 13:31CH 15:1In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Eli, the last judge in Israel. Eli was a weary old man who excused sin in his own family and condoned it in the priesthood. He had become spiritually blind and lost his cutting edge. The preacher highlights how Eli's lack of spiritual discernment and prioritizing his sons over God led to a low spiritual state in Israel. The sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God and honoring Him above all else.
Abner's Return to Hebron
By Chuck Smith82425:05Hebron1CH 12:331CH 13:1GAL 5:16JAS 1:271PE 3:15In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of having singleness of heart as a Christian. He highlights the example of the men of Zebulun who came with singleness of heart, unlike the Danites who had double hearts. Pastor Chuck encourages believers to keep their minds and hearts pure, walking in close fellowship with God. He also emphasizes the need for Christians to be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about Jesus Christ, and suggests memorizing and knowing the Scriptures as the key to being prepared. Additionally, he announces the release of Pastor Chuck Smith's through the Bible commentary, which provides in-depth study resources for believers.
Ritual or Reality
By Major Ian Thomas1058:07Spiritual AwakeningAuthentic Faith1CH 13:1Major Ian Thomas emphasizes the contrast between ritual and reality in the relationship with God, using King David's desire to return the Ark of the Covenant as a pivotal moment for spiritual awakening in Israel. He highlights the significance of the Ark as a symbol of God's redemptive purpose through Jesus Christ, illustrating how the Old Testament foreshadows the New Testament's fulfillment in Christ's sacrifice. Thomas warns against the dangers of ritualistic practices that replace genuine faith and relationship with God, urging believers to seek a deeper, more authentic connection with the divine. He encourages the congregation to recognize the importance of the Holy Spirit in their lives, enabling them to embody Christ's ministry in a world that often mirrors spiritual decline. The sermon calls for a return to total dedication and obedience to God, rather than settling for token gestures of faith.
Ritual Takes the Place of Reality
By Major Ian Thomas759:20Spiritual AwakeningAuthentic Faith1CH 13:1Major Ian Thomas emphasizes the need for a genuine relationship with God over mere ritualistic practices, as illustrated by King David's desire to return the Ark of the Covenant to its rightful place. He highlights the spiritual decline of Israel under King Saul, where the people had lost their connection to God, leading to a reliance on empty rituals. Thomas draws parallels between the Old Testament and the New Testament, explaining how the Ark symbolizes God's redemptive purpose through Jesus Christ. He warns against the dangers of token obedience and urges believers to seek a deeper, more authentic faith. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a spiritual awakening, encouraging individuals to yield their lives to God for His divine purpose.
Ark of the Covenant (Transcription)
By Major Ian Thomas0The Presence of GodRestoration of Worship1CH 13:1Major Ian Thomas emphasizes the significance of the Ark of the Covenant as a symbol of God's presence and the necessity of restoring it to its rightful place in the lives of believers. He discusses the spiritual decline of the Church, drawing parallels between the historical context of Israel and the contemporary state of Christianity, where rituals often replace genuine relationships with God. Thomas warns against the dangers of detaching religious practices from Christ, urging the congregation to recognize that true faith must be rooted in a personal relationship with Jesus. He calls for a spiritual awakening that brings the Ark, representing Christ, back to the center of worship and life. Ultimately, he stresses that the essence of the Gospel is found in Jesus Christ, the living Word.
Look for the Anointing of God and the Grace of God Upon a Man
By Zac Poonen01CH 12:181CH 13:1PSA 133:1MAT 5:11LUK 6:22JHN 15:18ACT 5:411CO 1:272TI 1:151PE 4:14Zac Poonen preaches on the importance of recognizing and following God's anointing, using the example of those who stood by David during his most difficult times. He emphasizes the need to discern the true servants of God, who may not always be popular or recognized in their lifetime, and the importance of standing with them despite opposition. Poonen highlights the significance of seeking God's approval rather than the approval of men, and the value of consulting and working in fellowship with others to make decisions in alignment with God's will.
And David Was Afraid of God That Day.
By F.B. Meyer0Obedience to GodThe Fear of GodLEV 10:11CH 13:12F.B. Meyer discusses the fear David experienced when he disobeyed God's commands regarding the transport of the Ark of the Covenant. By placing the Ark on a cart instead of having it carried by the priests, David ignored the divine regulations, leading to Uzza's tragic death. Meyer emphasizes that God responds to us based on our actions; those who obey Him experience His blessings, while disobedience leads to fear and consequences. He encourages believers to welcome God's presence into their lives, assuring that obedience brings divine favor and protection.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Introduction
David consults with his officers, and resolves to bring back the ark from the house of Abinadab, Ch1 13:1-4. They place it on a new cart, and Uzza and Ahio drive the cart; the oxen stumbling, Uzza puts forth his hand to save the ark from falling, and he is smitten by the Lord, Ch1 13:5-10. David is displeased, and orders the ark to be carried to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite, Ch1 13:11-13. The ark abides there three months, and the Lord blesses Obed-edom, Ch1 13:14.
Verse 1
David consulted - Having taken the strong hold of Zion from the Jebusites, organized his army, got assurances of the friendly disposition of the Israelites towards him, he judged it right to do what he could for the establishment of religion in the land; and as a first step, consulted on the propriety of bringing the ark from an obscure village, where it had remained during the reign of Saul, to the royal city or seat of government.
Verse 5
From Shihor of Egypt even unto the entering of Hemath - "Therefore David gathered all Israel, from the Nile, נילוס Nilos, of Egypt, even to the entrance of Antioch." - T.
Verse 6
Whose name is called on it - "Where his name is invoked." - T. And so the Hebrew, אשר נקרא שם asher nikra shem, should be understood, his name was not called on it, but invoked at it.
Verse 7
In a new cart - Lest it should be profaned by being placed on any carriage that had been employed about common uses. Uzza and Ahio - All the versions understand אחיו achyo as signifying brother or brothers; so does Jarchi, who observes, from Sa2 6:3, that these were the sons of Abinadab.
Verse 9
Uzza put forth his hand - See this transaction explained Sa2 6:6 (note), etc.
Verse 14
The Lord blessed the house of Obed-edom - That this man was only a sojourner at Gath, whence he was termed Gittite, and that he was originally a Levite, is evident from Ch1 15:17, Ch1 15:18. The Targum ends this chapter thus: "And the Word of the Lord blessed Obed-edom, and his children, and his grand-children; and his wife conceived, and his eight daughters-in-law: and each brought forth eight at one birth, insomuch that in one day there were found, of fathers and children, fourscore and one; and He blessed and increased greatly all that belonged to him." This exposition will not be generally received; but all rabbins must be allowed to deal in the marvellous. For other remarks see on Sa2 6:1 (note), etc.
Introduction
DAVID FETCHES THE ARK FROM KIRJATH-JEARIM. (Ch1 13:1-8) David consulted . . . And let us bring again the ark of our God--Gratitude for the high and splendid dignity to which he had been elevated would naturally, at this period, impart a fresh animation and impulse to the habitually fervent piety of David; but, at the same time, he was animated by other motives. He fully understood his position as ruler under the theocracy, and, entering on his duties, he was resolved to fulfil his mission as a constitutional king of Israel. Accordingly, his first act as a sovereign related to the interests of religion. The ark being then the grand instrument and ornament of it, he takes the opportunity of the official representatives of the nation being with him, to consult them about the propriety of establishing it in a more public and accessible locality. The assembly at which he spoke of this consisted of the Sheloshim, princes of thousands (Sa2 6:1). During the reign of the late king, the ark had been left in culpable neglect. Consequently the people had, to a great extent, been careless about the ordinances of divine worship, or had contented themselves with offering sacrifices at Gibeon, without any thought of the ark, though it was the chief and most vital part of the tabernacle. The duty and advantages of this religious movement suggested by the king were apparent, and the proposal met with universal approval.
Verse 2
If it seem good unto you, and . . . it be of the Lord--that is, I shall conclude that this favorite measure of mine is agreeable to the mind of God, if it receive your hearty concurrence. let us send abroad to our brethren everywhere--He wished to make it known throughout the country, in order that there might be a general assembly of the nation, and that preparations might be made on a scale and of a kind suitable to the inauguration of the august ceremonial. with them also to the priests and Levites . . . in their cities and suburbs--(See on Num 35:2). The original terms, "Let us send," imply immediate execution; and, doubtless, the publication of the royal edict would have been followed by the appointment of an early day for the contemplated solemnity, had it not been retarded by a sudden invasion of the Philistines, who were twice repulsed with great loss (Sa2 5:17), by the capture of Jerusalem, and the transference of the seat of government to that city. Finding, however, soon after, peace restored and his throne established, he resumed his preparations for removing the ark to the metropolis.
Verse 5
from Shihor of Egypt-- (Jos 15:4, Jos 15:47; Num 34:5; Kg1 8:65; Kg2 24:7; Ch2 7:8); a small brook flowing into the Mediterranean, near the modern El-arish, which forms the southern boundary of Palestine. unto the entering of Hemath--the defile between the mountain ranges of Syria and the extreme limit of Palestine on the north.
Verse 6
David went up, and all Israel, to Baalah--(See on Sa2 6:1-11). whose name is called on it--rather, "who is worshipped there" (Sa2 6:2). Next: 1 Chronicles Chapter 14
Introduction
INTRODUCTION TO 1 CHRONICLES 13 The contents of this chapter are the same with Sa2 6:1, only David's consultation with the principal men of Israel concerning the affair herein transacted is premised in the first four verses of this.
Verse 1
And David consulted with the captains of thousands, and hundreds, and with every leader. With the chiliarchs and centurions, and every officer in that large body of armed men in every tribe, who met to make and crown him king: for at that time was this consultation had, and therefore is connected with it; though the affair advised about was not yet done, as Dr. Lightfoot (h) observes, and was not done until some considerable time afterwards. Advice being taken, the several officers went with their men to their respective countries, to meet again at a certain time and place to put the thing projected into execution; and between this and that time were Hiram's message to David on his accession to the throne, the taking of Jerusalem, and the two battles with the Philistines, as the same writer notes; most of which are recorded before this in the book of Samuel, and follow here. (h) Works, vol. 1. p. 61, 62.
Verse 2
And David said unto all the congregation of Israel,.... To the above persons, as representatives of it: if it seem good unto you, and that it be of the Lord our God; if it could be thought by them a good and useful thing, and agreeable to the will of God, and would make for his glory: let us send abroad unto our brethren everywhere that are left in all the land of Israel; that were not then present with them, even all the common people; whom David, though king, owns as his brethren; nor is his antitype ashamed to own this relation between him and his people, Heb 2:11. and with them also to the priests and Levites which are in their cities and suburbs: given to them in the several tribes to dwell in, see Ch1 6:54, that they may gather themselves unto us; at a certain time and place appointed.
Verse 3
And let us bring again the ark of our God to us,.... The symbol of the divine Presence, than which nothing was more desirable to David, and he chose to begin his reign overall Israel with it: for we inquired not at it in the days of Saul; he being indifferent to religion, and careless about it, and the enjoyment of the presence of God, and having direction from him; and the people also content with worship at the tabernacle at Gibeah, though the token of the divine Presence was absent.
Verse 4
And all the congregation said that they would do so,.... They unanimously agreed to the motion: for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people; they saw the propriety, necessity, and usefulness of it.
Verse 5
So David gathered all Israel together,.... The principal of them, even 30,000 select men, Sa2 6:1. from Shihor of Egypt; or the Nile of Egypt, as the Targum and other Jewish writers, called Shihor from the blackness of its water, see Jer 2:18 though some think the river Rhinocurura is meant, which both lay to the south of the land of Israel: even unto the entering of Hamath; which the Targum interprets of Antiochia, which lay to the north of the land; so that this collection of the people was made from south to north, the extreme borders of the land: to bring the ark of God from Kirjathjearim; where it then was, and had been a long time, see Sa1 7:1, from hence to the end of the chapter the account is the same with Sa2 6:1, see the notes there; what little variations there are, are there observed. See Gill on Sa2 6:1, Sa2 6:2, Sa2 6:3, Sa2 6:4, Sa2 6:5, Sa2 6:6, Sa2 6:7, Sa2 6:8, Sa2 6:9, Sa2 6:10, Sa2 6:11 Next: 1 Chronicles Chapter 14
Introduction
INTRODUCTION TO 1 CHRONICLES 13 The contents of this chapter are the same with Sa2 6:1, only David's consultation with the principal men of Israel concerning the affair herein transacted is premised in the first four verses of this.
Verse 1
And David consulted with the captains of thousands, and hundreds, and with every leader. With the chiliarchs and centurions, and every officer in that large body of armed men in every tribe, who met to make and crown him king: for at that time was this consultation had, and therefore is connected with it; though the affair advised about was not yet done, as Dr. Lightfoot (h) observes, and was not done until some considerable time afterwards. Advice being taken, the several officers went with their men to their respective countries, to meet again at a certain time and place to put the thing projected into execution; and between this and that time were Hiram's message to David on his accession to the throne, the taking of Jerusalem, and the two battles with the Philistines, as the same writer notes; most of which are recorded before this in the book of Samuel, and follow here. (h) Works, vol. 1. p. 61, 62.
Verse 2
And David said unto all the congregation of Israel,.... To the above persons, as representatives of it: if it seem good unto you, and that it be of the Lord our God; if it could be thought by them a good and useful thing, and agreeable to the will of God, and would make for his glory: let us send abroad unto our brethren everywhere that are left in all the land of Israel; that were not then present with them, even all the common people; whom David, though king, owns as his brethren; nor is his antitype ashamed to own this relation between him and his people, Heb 2:11. and with them also to the priests and Levites which are in their cities and suburbs: given to them in the several tribes to dwell in, see Ch1 6:54, that they may gather themselves unto us; at a certain time and place appointed.
Verse 3
And let us bring again the ark of our God to us,.... The symbol of the divine Presence, than which nothing was more desirable to David, and he chose to begin his reign overall Israel with it: for we inquired not at it in the days of Saul; he being indifferent to religion, and careless about it, and the enjoyment of the presence of God, and having direction from him; and the people also content with worship at the tabernacle at Gibeah, though the token of the divine Presence was absent.
Verse 4
And all the congregation said that they would do so,.... They unanimously agreed to the motion: for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people; they saw the propriety, necessity, and usefulness of it.
Verse 5
So David gathered all Israel together,.... The principal of them, even 30,000 select men, Sa2 6:1. from Shihor of Egypt; or the Nile of Egypt, as the Targum and other Jewish writers, called Shihor from the blackness of its water, see Jer 2:18 though some think the river Rhinocurura is meant, which both lay to the south of the land of Israel: even unto the entering of Hamath; which the Targum interprets of Antiochia, which lay to the north of the land; so that this collection of the people was made from south to north, the extreme borders of the land: to bring the ark of God from Kirjathjearim; where it then was, and had been a long time, see Sa1 7:1, from hence to the end of the chapter the account is the same with Sa2 6:1, see the notes there; what little variations there are, are there observed. See Gill on Sa2 6:1, Sa2 6:2, Sa2 6:3, Sa2 6:4, Sa2 6:5, Sa2 6:6, Sa2 6:7, Sa2 6:8, Sa2 6:9, Sa2 6:10, Sa2 6:11 Next: 1 Chronicles Chapter 14
Introduction
In the foregoing chapter we have David made king, by which the civil government was happily settled. In this chapter care is taken about religion. I. David consults with the representatives of the people about bringing up the ark out of its obscurity into a public place; and it is resolved on (Ch1 13:1-4). II. With a great deal of solemnity and joy, it is carried from Kirjathjearim (Ch1 13:5-8). III. Uzza is struck dead for touching it, which, for the present, spoils the solemnity and stops the proceedings (Ch1 13:9-14).
Verse 1
Here is, I. David's pious proposal to bring up the ark of God to Jerusalem, that the royal city might be the holy city, Ch1 13:1-3. This part of the story we had not in Samuel. We may observe in this proposal, 1. That as soon as David was well seated on his throne he had thoughts concerning the ark of God: Let us bring the ark to us, Ch1 13:3. Two things he aimed at herein: - (1.) To do honour to God, by showing respect to his ark, the token of his presence. As soon as he had power in his hand he would use it for the advancement and encouragement of religion. Note, It ought to be the first and great care of those that are enriched and preferred to honour God with their honours, and to serve him, and the interests of his kingdom among men, with their wealth and power. David said not, "What pompous thing shall I do now?" or, "What pleasant thing?" but, "What pious thing?" (2.) To have the comfort and benefit of that sacred oracle. "Let us bring it to us, not only that we may be a credit to it, but that it may be a blessing to us." Those that honour God profit themselves. Note, It is the wisdom of those who are setting out in the world to take God's ark with them, to make his oracles their counsellors and his laws their rule. Those are likely to proceed in the favour of God who thus begin in the fear of God. 2. That he consulted with the leaders of the people about it, Ch1 13:1. Though it was without doubt a very good work, and being king, he had the authority to command the doing of it, yet he chose rather to do it by consultation, (1.) That he might show respect to the great men of the kingdom and put honour upon them. Though they made him king, yet he would not rule with a high hand. He did not say, "We will and command, and it is our royal pleasure, that you do so and so; and we will be obeyed," but, "If it seem good to you, and you think that the motion comes from the Lord our God, let us send out orders for this purpose." No prince that is wise will covet to be absolute. The people's allegiance is best secured by taking their concurrence in their representatives. Happy then art thou, O Britain! (2.). That he might be advised by them in the manner of doing it, whether just now, whether publicly. David was a very intelligent man himself, and yet consulted with his captains; for in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. It is wisdom to make use of the wisdom of others. (3.) That, they joining in it, it might pass the better for a national act and so might procure a national blessing. 3. That he would have all the people summoned to attend on this occasion, both for the honour of the ark and for the people's satisfaction and edification, Ch1 13:2. Observe, (1.) He calls the common people brethren, which bespeaks his humility and condescension (notwithstanding his advancement), and the tender concern he had for them. Thus our Lord Jesus is not ashamed to call his people brethren, Heb 2:11. (2.) He speaks of the people as a remnant that had escaped: Our brethren that are left in all the land of Israel. They had been under scattering providences. Their wars with the Philistines, and with the house of Saul, had wasted the country and cut off many. We now hope to see an end of these troubles. Let those that are left be quickened by late judgments, and present mercies, to seek unto God. (3.) He takes care that the priests and Levites especially should be summoned to attend the ark; for it was their province in a particular manner. Thus Christian magistrates should stir up ministers to do their duty when they see them remiss. 4. That all this is upon supposition that it is of the Lord their God. "Though it should seem good to you and me, yet if it be not of the Lord our God, we will not do it." What ever we undertake, this must be our enquiry, "Is it of the Lord? Is it agreeable to his mind? Can we approve ourselves to him in it? May we expect that he will own us?" 5. That thus it was requisite they should amend what has been amiss in the last reign, and, as it were, atone for their neglect: "For we enquired not at it in the days of Saul, and this was the reason why things went so ill with us: let that original error be amended, and then we may hope to see our affairs in a better posture." Observe, David makes no peevish reflections upon Saul. He does not say, "Saul never cared for the ark, at least in the latter end of this reign;" but, in general, We enquired not at it, making himself with others guilty of this neglect. It better becomes us to judge ourselves than others. Humble good men lament their own share in national guilt, and take shame to themselves, Dan 9:5, etc. II. The people's ready agreement to this proposal (Ch1 13:4): The thing was right in the eyes of all the people. Nobody could say to the contrary, but that it was a very good work and very seasonable; so that it was resolved, nemine contradicente - unanimously, that they would do so. Those that prudently proposed a good work, and lead in it, will perhaps find a more ready concurrence in it than they expected. Great men know not what a great deal of good they are capable of doing by their influence on others. III. The solemnity of bringing up the ark, Ch1 13:5, etc., which we read before, Sa2 6:1, etc. Here therefore we shall only observe, 1. That it is worth while to travel far to attend the ark of God. They came out of all parts of the country, from the river of Egypt, the utmost part south, to the entering of Hemath, which lay furthest north, (Ch1 13:5), to grace this solemnity. 2. That we have reason greatly to rejoice in the revival of neglected ordinances and the return of the tokens of God's presence. When the light of religion shines out of obscurity, when it is openly and freely professed, is brought into reputation, and countenanced by princes and great ones, it is such a happy omen to a people as is worthy to be welcomed with all possible expressions of joy. 3. When, after long disuse, ordinances come to be revived, it is too common for even wise and good men to make some mistakes. Who would have thought that David would commit such an error as this, to carry the ark upon a cart? Ch1 13:7. because the Philistines so carried it, and a special providence drove the cart (Sa1 6:12), he thought they might do so too. But we must walk by rule, not by example when it varies from the rule, no, not even by those examples which Providence has owned.
Verse 9
This breach upon Uzza, which caused all the joy to cease, we had an account of, Sa2 6:6, etc. 1. Let the sin of Uzza warn us all to take heed of presumption, rashness, and irreverence, in dealing about holy things (Ch1 13:9), and not to think that a good intention will justify a bad action. In our communion with God we must carefully watch over our own hearts, lest familiarity breed contempt, and we think God is in any way beholden to us. 2. Let the punishment of Uzza convince us that the God with whom we have to do is a jealous God. His death, like that of Nadab and Abihu, proclaims aloud that God will be sanctified in those that come nigh unto him (Lev 10:3), and that the nearer any are to him the more displeased he is with their presumptions. Let us not dare to trifle with God in our approaches to him; and yet let us, through Christ, come boldly to the throne of grace; for we are under the dispensation of liberty and grace, not of bondage and terror. 3. Let the damp this gave to the joy of Israel be a memorandum to us always to rejoice with trembling, and to serve the Lord with fear, even when we serve him with gladness. 4. Let David's displeasure upon this occasion caution us to take heed to our spirits when we are under divine rebukes, lest, instead of submitting to God, we quarrel with him. If God be angry with us, shall we dare to be angry with him? 5. Let the stop thus put to the solemnity caution us not to be driven off from our duty by those providences which are only intended to drive us from our sins. David should have gone on with the work notwithstanding the breach made upon Uzza; so might the breach have been made up. 6. Let the blessing which the ark brought with it to the house of Obed-edom encourage us to welcome God's ordinances into our houses, as those that believe the ark is a guest that nobody shall lose by; not let it be less precious to us for its being to some a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence. If the gospel be to some a savour of death unto death, as the ark was to Uzza, yet let us receive it in the love of it and it will be to us a saviour of life unto life.
Verse 1
13:1–17:27 These chapters chronicle the transformation of Jerusalem into the political and religious center of Israel, beginning with David’s disastrous attempt to transfer the Ark of God from Kiriath-jearim to Jerusalem (13:1-14; cp. 2 Sam 6:2-11).
Verse 9
13:9-11 With the death of Uzzah, Israel’s celebration abruptly turned to sorrow. Touching the Ark resulted in death because its holiness had been violated (see 15:13).
Verse 12
13:12 David’s response to Uzzah’s death might have been an expression of his own inadequacy to bring the Ark to Jerusalem.